Queen's Birthday Honours for female trio

Dedicated community service recognised

A long-serving charity worker, a business woman and a community volunteer are Island recipients of this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

The honours list announced this morning (16 June) recognises the three women's long service in the Isle of Man.

Director of the Island's Samaritans Suzanne Harding, a member for 35 years, is made an MBE.

She combines a training role, running the charity's fund-raising arm and organising the Samaritan's prison visiting service, with regular shifts at the Douglas call centre.

An MBE is also awarded to Trudi Williamson, deputy chair of Isle of Man Newspapers, a veteran member of staff with 40 years service. 

Mrs Williamson, a magistrate and charity trustee, is saluted for creating the firm's Awards for Excellence, which have rapidly grown in popularity since 2006.

A British Empire Medal goes to Julia North, for services to the Marown community.

Her input ranges from chairing the local branch of the Isle of Man Anti Cancer committee and co coordinating the Poppy appeal, to reviving the parish Fruit and Vegetable Show, which become Parish Day.

Mrs North says the honour came as a complete surprise: